Second volume of re-read. Currently up through prologue, the prisoner, and the interim scene on the beach, Roland healing from his wounds and Eddie going through withdrawal. I’m struck by a few changes in perspective since reading 10 years ago: again, as with first volume, I relate to Roland’s worldview a bit better, world-weary but firm in purpose, seeing himself in the role as mentor toward Eddie, sensitive to his need to process his own demons through talk.

I’m also more intrigued by Kings imagery of consciousness, through the plot device of doorways into other worlds through others’ minds. Again, King doesn’t attempt to make sense of his imagery, which again I think is part of his appeal. Here there are psychological elements of the idea of an internal Other pulling a unified self into a new reality. Resonates with a lot of things I’ve been going through over the past 6-9 months.